Organic Gardens

Few pursuits are as rewarding as growing your own organic garden. Not only do you get to enjoy the fruits of your own labor, but you have the satisfaction of knowing that the produce you are eating was grown free of chemicals, pesticides and herbicides. Growing organically produces healthy, more diverse ecosystems which are better able to resist significant pest damage… naturally!

We continually add articles to this section, so please check back often. Also, you can share tips and ask questions over at our Organic Gardening Forum page.

This frost-hardy, early-season vegetable is grown wherever cool weather of sufficient duration exists. To enjoy fresh garden peas at their best, pick the pods when they are plump, then shell and eat the sweet, juicy seeds immediately. These green legumes are chock-full of vitamins A, B, C and K and offer super-sized portions of protein, fiber, minerals and anti-oxidants. (more…)

Tips and techniques for growing this hardy, cold-season garden favorite.

Easy to cultivate with a long storage life, home gardeners are growing onions in most areas of the United States. These glorious globes serve up a super-sized portion of vitamin C, are low in calories, and high in minerals and dietary fiber.

Records indicate that onions were grown in Ancient Egypt, and eventually arrived in Rome and became known as the word onion (from the Latin word UNIO, which means large pearl). (more…)

Sweet and succulent, growing melons can be a challenge in areas colder than zone 4.

A warm season crop, melons require hot, relatively dry weather and steady heat for at least 2-4 months. Growing homegrown melons in colder climates can be rewarding but will require short season varieties, plenty of attention and frost protection.

Fact: Melons, such as cantaloupe and honeydew, are members of the Cucurbitaceae family that also includes pumpkins, squash, cucumbers and gourds. (more…)

Tips for how to grow this early-season garden favorite.

Home gardeners are growing lettuce for its edible foliage which is 90% water, but offers plenty of vitamins A and B. A cool season annual, lettuce is a member of the Asteraceae family and has been cultivated for ages, perhaps longer than any other vegetable crop.

Fact: The average American eats about 30 lbs of lettuce each year. (more…)

Kale is a member of the Brassicaceae family and related to broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. It is loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, and super-loaded with vitamin K, a sometimes overlooked nutrient that may reduce the risk of cancer. (more…)

A hardy perennial that grows well in colder climates and is known for its hot mustard flavored roots.

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shadeMaturity: Spring planted horseradish will be ready to harvest in late fall.Height: 12 to 24 inchesSpacing: 1 to 2 feet apart, 2 to 3 feet between rows

Mankind has been growing horseradish for centuries. Records indicate that the Egyptians cultivated this pungent plant prior to 1500 B.C. It was also used by the Romans as an aphrodisiac. Although, what didn’t they use as an aphrodisiac?

A member of the Brassicaceae family, horseradish is closely related to Brussels sprouts, kale and cauliflower. The root gets its sinus clearing punch from volatile oils that are released when grated or crushed. Horseradish is high in vitamin C, calcium, potassium, magnesium and dietary fiber. (more…)

One of the first cultivated fruits, there are written descriptions of growing grapes and making wine dating back thousands of years.

Sunlight: Full sunMaturity: Up to 3 yearsHeight: 4 to 10 feet, depending on varietySpacing: 6 to 8 feet apart, 8 to 10 feet between rows

Grapes have the reputation of being fragile and difficult to grow. In fact, many home gardeners are convinced that they are too tender to even consider trying to grow them, yet a variety of species will do well in regions of every state and in several Canadian provinces. Once established, well-tended grapevines can be productive for 40 years or more. Here’s how to grow them organically:

Site Preparation:

All types of grapes require a warm planting site in full sun, moderate water and pruning during the dormant season to control growth and produce abundant fruit. (more…)

Grown from cloves, garlic is easy to plant and adds a new dimension to typical table fare.

Sunlight: Full sunMaturity: Fall planted garlic is harvested the following yearHeight: 12 to 24 inchesSpacing: 4 to 6 inches apart, 1 to 2 feet between rows

A member of the onion family, garlic (Allium sativum) has been cultivated for thousands of years. Today growing garlic is popular in many home gardens. And why not? It’s ridiculously easy to care for, takes up little room in the garden and looks great! (more…)

Proper timing and weather conditions play a big role when growing eggplant.

Eggplant is a beautiful, warm season annual that is relatively easy to grow providing you have warm temperatures. The planting season must be consistently warm with day time temperatures around 80˚F and night-time temperatures not falling below 65˚F. Anything cooler will result in slow to no growth once you’ve set your plants outside.

A member of the Solanaceae family, eggplant is closely related to tomatoes, peppers, ground cherry and potatoes. Numerous varieties are available for home gardeners. (more…)

One of the most popular vegetables in today’s home garden. Learn how to grow cucumbers here.

Before you plant, consider how much space you can devote to growing cucumbers in your garden. The regular slicing varieties require about 15 square feet per plant. However, they can still be grown in smaller gardens by training vines onto a trellis or wire fence. Cucumbers may also be grown in containers and are very prolific.

Cucumbers are chock-full of vitamin C and include many B vitamins. They also provide many minerals like phosphorous, potassium, zinc, iron and magnesium. (more…)